|
This morning we learned that the Governor and the President have decided to place the National Guard and other resources in Memphis, which they have the authority to do. I want to be clear: I did not ask for the National Guard, and I don’t believe it is the way to drive down crime.
However, the decision has been made. As your Mayor, my commitment is to work strategically to ensure this happens in a way that truly benefits and strengthens our community. My responsibility is to fight for Memphis — to make sure that any resource or partnership is used in ways that accelerate the progress we’ve already begun.
And make no mistake — we are making progress. Over the past 21 months, we’ve driven double-digit reductions in major crime categories. Overall crime dropped 13% last year and is down another 16% so far this year. Homicides fell 20% last year and are down nearly 30% this year, and in many categories, we are seeing 20- and 25-year lows. Those numbers aren’t by chance — they reflect the daily dedication of our officers, the smart strategies we’ve put in place, and the partnerships we’ve built.
That progress is also about prevention and intervention. We’re working with community leaders, schools, and nonprofits to reach people at the highest risk of violence — not just policing crime, but preventing it.
Because of the tireless work of our local law enforcement and community partners, Memphis is turning a corner. And yet, we know the truth: there is still much more to do. In just the past few weeks, we’ve seen a joyful city celebration marred by a shooting among teens Downtown. We’ve seen a home in Hickory Hill where four people were shot. We’ve seen far too many instances of domestic violence. Despite our reductions in crime, Memphis still appears too high on too many national lists. That is why we must remain laser-focused on continuing this progress.
“I believe in Memphis. And I believe the world will get an opportunity to watch us succeed.”
As we move forward, what we need in terms of resources is clear. We need investigative support to dismantle the most violent networks. We need federal resources to strengthen our officers, expand our technology, and sustain the community programs that are already making a difference. We need deeper collaboration with prosecutors who can bring tougher charges and stronger deterrents for those who choose violence. And we need support that complements our work — enhancing, not replacing, the dedicated people and programs driving progress in Memphis every day.
We’ve seen what partnership can do. Our current collaboration with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office has already produced more than 240 arrests, including 55 gang members, and 98 federal indictments in just seven weeks. That is what it looks like when resources are aligned with local priorities.
But safety cannot just be about today’s numbers. My ultimate goal is for Memphis to secure long-term investments that address the root causes of violent crime — outreach and rehabilitation for people on the edge of bad decisions, trauma recovery and mental health services, workforce pipelines for young people, stronger housing, and thriving small businesses in our neighborhoods. Most of all, it means raising the level of hope in the hearts of our people. A clear image of the future — and the belief that it can be achieved — is what will truly reduce crime and violence in the long run.
The story of Memphis won’t be written by anyone else. It will be written by us, together. It will be shared in the bonds between neighbors, witnessed in the determination of families, and made complete by the work that lifts our city higher.
I believe in Memphis. And I believe the world will get an opportunity to watch us succeed.
Good News!
   Do you have good news to share? We would love to share it! Send us a note at goodnews@memphistn.gov
Track Our Progress
The linked reports below provide evidence to support our public safety strategy and our work to ensure municipal fiscal responsibility. These dashboard provides a quick overview, with the ability to dive in deeper to neighborhoods and divisions. Both dashboards updates daily.
 SAFER COMMUNITIES: For more info on how to use the safer communities dashboard, go here. Or for the whole dashboard, go here. FINANCE TRACKER: For more info on how to use the finance tracker dashboard, go here, then follow the prompts to the tracker.
To report concerns related to property violations, potholes, and trash, click the link here or call 311 to speak to a live agent.
In the Know: Want to know what's happening in Memphis? Explore these event calendars to stay in the loop on all the city has to offer!
Memphis Public Libraries
Memphis Parks
Memphis Travel
Arts Memphis
Choose901
I love Memphis
Our Era of Yes Town Hall: Oakhaven. Join us for an important community conversation on Tuesday, September 30, at The Healing Center, 3885 Tchulahoma Rd. The Resource Hub opens at 5pm, followed by a Q&A with Mayor Young at 6pm. See more and share here.
Community Input Sessions. Join the City of Memphis and City Council for our community input sessions to help inform Mayor Young's Riverfront Master Plan. The next session will be next Wednesday, September 18, at Beale Street Landing at 5:30pm. See more here.
901 Day on Beale Street:
Behind every clean street and every safe block are the men and women of our Solid Waste team. Last week, I rode along with the District 4 crew and saw the commitment it takes to keep our neighborhoods clean and welcoming. Their work isn’t easy—but it’s essential. Every cart lifted and every street cleared is about more than trash pickup; it’s about pride, dignity, and service to our community. Let’s continue to honor and support the people who keep Memphis strong, one route at a time.
|
